We’re halfway through May, which means Memorial Day is right around the corner. While the holiday is a day off work for many, new research looks at what it truly represents to us.
According to a new survey from Savanta of 1,000 U.S. adults, 52% of Americans say Memorial Day has lost its original meaning.
- Overall, 60% still recognize it as honoring fallen military service members, but the connection isn’t as strong for all age groups.
- Only 48% of Gen Z say their main association for Memorial Day is remembrance, while 76% of baby boomers believe honoring fallen soldiers is the reason for the holiday.
- There are regional differences, too, with those in the South (63%) most likely to associate it with remembrance, while Northeastern Americans (48%) are the least likely.
- Cookouts are still a popular way to celebrate the holiday, with many folks firing up the grill for burgers (61%) and hot dogs (50%).
- But concerns about the economy have a lot of people staying home this Memorial Day weekend, as just 24% plan to travel.
- Less than a quarter of Americans (22%) feel financially optimistic heading into summer and 27% are budgeting big time and focusing on essential spending.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they’d be more likely to support a veteran-owned business.
- Half (51%) of those polled would prefer retailers donate a portion of sales from the holiday to veterans instead of giving discounts (29%).
- Still, 40% of all respondents say they’re excited to honor the meaning of Memorial Day this year.
- And 62% think the holiday brings Americans together, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.⠀
Source: Yahoo Finance